Getting a New Computer, Help?

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Yogurticecream wrote on 2011-06-01 05:00

Few things.

[Image: http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/113/thisonev.png]

This is the computer that I'm intending to get, price isn't USD so just ignore it.

With this spec (my sibling has something like this) Mabinogi loads really surprisingly fast compared to my current computer.
However, a friend recommended me to get i7, is this overkill?

Another thing is the computer screen. Right now I'm using a Dell 17 inch VGA screen (E170) that has another plug to make it work with DVI ports. I was wondering if I should be getting a new DVI screen.

Also, I have heard of dual-monitor computers. How does it exactly work? Can I make it work with one VGA and one DVI monitors? What's it good for, anyway?
Osayidan wrote on 2011-06-01 23:39

if you have a graphic card with one vga and one dvi, you can dual screen on it easily even with recycling older screens that are VGA only. Although ideally it's best to use identical screens so everything matches in resolution and the size/shape of the bezel around the screen can be annoying if it's not matching.

The specs looks decent and for mabi it should destroy it easily (unless maybe nexon in your area also has the really bad font/UI?). Definitely no problems for mabi with that PC. an i7 is always good too but if your biggest concern for computer power is mabi, this is fine and no need to spend more money than that.

Only thing I really don't like is the power supply brand I never heard of.
Exullien wrote on 2011-06-02 13:13

You won't be doing much with a 500 Watt PSU, just read on nvidia that GTX 460 requires a minimum 450W PSU, though it won't be taking that much power of course, just so that your components have the power available.
Might also want to make one yourself, or get something better that is worth 1100 $. It seems a bit dated those components. For curiosity think you can share what site your buying from?
Ampersand wrote on 2011-06-02 16:42

Can you tell us what currency the price is in, then?
Cucurbita wrote on 2011-06-02 16:58

i7 is overkill for mabi. Heck, i5 is overkill for mabi.
Yogurticecream wrote on 2011-06-02 18:13

Quote from Ampersand;464085:
Can you tell us what currency the price is in, then?

It's in SGD. About 961USD according to XE.
It's from this site, price list on the first page.

Quote from Cucurbita;464090:
i7 is overkill for mabi. Heck, i5 is overkill for mabi.

Which is why I'm thinking of just settling for the i5 for another 3 years.
Hopefully not going to lag in Tara, that's all.
My current computer right now will be passed down.

Might be getting it tomorrow...
Ampersand wrote on 2011-06-02 18:33

Compare Tom's Hardware's $1000 USD build from March.

[Image: http://i.imgur.com/CMb5e.jpg]

With the pre-built one you're getting Windows and KB/M in the package, as well as being overseas, also buying pre-assembled. Mostly unavoidable reasons for somewhat less powerful hardware. Still not a bad deal by any means, and will last you at least 5 years.
Yogurticecream wrote on 2011-06-02 19:10

It's not too bad for me seeing that the most graphic intensive things I do with the computer is to play Mabinogi or watch streamed videos.

I intend to skip dual-screen and just use the current monitor.

I could just stick to my current and get another computer, but it still doesn't make much sense to, since the computer will cost at least $300-$500 at entry level. The passed-down computer will be more than good enough for the next user since it will just be used for schoolwork.
Ampersand wrote on 2011-06-02 19:21

Get another screen! You will experience a huge boost in productivity going from 1 screen to 2.
paladin wrote on 2011-06-02 19:39

Save your money till something makes it necessary if you can last
Yogurticecream wrote on 2011-06-05 07:54

I found an extra screen in my sibling's room but I don't need it for now. Luckily I didn't buy any extra screens.

One last problem. The old computer that I gave off seems to have a loose graphic card problem. The fastener behind is a bit loose, and whenever the monitor doesn't respond I have to open up the casing and re-secure the graphic card's positioning. This is really troublesome. Is there any way I can somehow fix the graphic card into place and it won't come off loose on its own?
Osayidan wrote on 2011-06-05 17:01

if you can get a picture of the graphic cards placement it would help. All I can say for now is to make sure it's screwed in properly on the expansion slot side.

The metal L shape thing which is touching the back of your case (where you plug in the screens) has a spot for a screw on the top, on the inside of the case. If that's screwed in properly then usually it's fine.
RebeccaBlack wrote on 2011-06-09 07:24

Quote from Yogurticecream;462529:
However, a friend recommended me to get i7, is this overkill

If you're just planning to play Mabinogi and similar games, then yes, it is definitely overkill.

For most gaming, an i5 should be alright. Perhaps not future-proof, but it'll do a good job and I think you'll be happy with it.

An i7 is more for people who do CPU intensive things, like rendering videos or music, crunching numbers, etc. Mostly things the average person won't bother with or doesn't care about. For gaming, as long as it isn't so slow that it's slowing the game down, it doesn't matter how fast it is and anything over what's needed will basically be wasted.

In fact, quad cores in general are arguably a "waste" for gaming when dual cores with higher clock rates (GHz) can usually get the job done better and cheaper due to the fact that most games don't utilize all the cores.

CPU's happen to be one of the easiest things to overclock. Core i7's especially, not sure about Core i5's but they're probably the same in that regard. If you ever decide you need more power, you can overclock it and save possibly hundreds of dollars. Only problem is it's slightly difficult to overclock anything when you're just getting started and if you aren't careful/don't follow reliable guides, your CPU could basically melt. Or explode. Okay, it probably won't explode. But it could permanently mess up a lot of your system parts if you mess up. So I wouldn't get into that unless you have to.